By Muhammad Mamman
The Presidency has finally broken its silence on widespread speculation about an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, dismissing the claims as baseless and designed to create panic and instability in the country.
In a statement released late on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described the reports circulating on social media and some online platforms as “false, mischievous, and deeply irresponsible.”
“There is no truth whatsoever to any suggestion of a coup plot,” the statement read. “The Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and committed to defending the Constitution and democratic order.”
The Presidency warned that those peddling rumours of political instability were deliberately attempting to undermine public confidence in the government and the country’s security institutions.
“We urge Nigerians to ignore these fabrications. The administration is focused on governance, economic recovery, and national security — not on distractions fueled by mischief-makers,” the statement added.
According to sources within the Defence Headquarters, the military hierarchy has also dismissed the claims, reiterating its allegiance to democratic governance and warning against the spread of false information capable of causing unrest.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are non-political,” a senior military official said. “Any attempt to drag the military into political speculation will be treated as subversive.”
The statement comes after days of heightened tension on social media, where unverified reports suggested that some disgruntled officers were plotting to overthrow the civilian government amid rising economic hardship and public discontent.
Political observers say the quick response from the Presidency is aimed at quelling speculation and reassuring both citizens and international partners of Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Analysts also note that coup rumours have become more frequent across Africa in recent years, following a wave of military takeovers in countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso — all of which share historical and political ties with Nigeria.
Meanwhile, pro-democracy groups have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant but calm, warning that the spread of unverified claims could worsen public anxiety and damage the nation’s image abroad.
“Nigeria’s democracy is fragile but resilient,” one civic group said. “Citizens should defend it with facts, not fear.”
The Presidency reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains focused on implementing reforms to stabilise the economy, strengthen national security, and improve governance, calling on all Nigerians to unite behind the democratic process.
